8/5/08 vs Astros; W 11-7; (68-46)

Weather wasn't an issue today, but that didn't make for a boring game. The Cubs jumped on the Astros early and sprinted to a 6-1 lead after just two innings. With Rich Harden on the mound, that is a sure victory...at least that's what I thought. The Astros managed six runs to take a 7-6 lead by the seventh inning.

Whomever sang the seventh inning stretch must have done a wonderful job, because Chicago scored five runs in the bottom of the seventh and took an 11-7 lead that ended up being enough.
Kerry Wood threw a seven pitch eighth inning (nice to have him back off the DL) and Carlos Marmol pitched a perfect ninth inning.

Rich Harden struggled for the first time as a Cub. He still struck out eight in only 5 2/3 innings, but allowed eight hits and four earned runs. His lone highlight was a lack of free passes, walking only one Astro today. He has only allowed 9 walks in 30 innings wearing the blue pinstripes.

His offense tried to help him out, starting in the first inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, Mark DeRosa doubled to drive in two runs. Reed Johnson took one for the team, following a Theriot walk and a Derek Lee double, to set the table for DeRosa.

Chicago continued in the second inning, plating four runs on five hits. Soriano, Ramirez, Johnson, and DeRosa all drove in a run to give Harden a five run lead. He held the lead throughout, but surrendered two runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth before being pulled.

The cast of characters leading Chicago in the seventh should seem familiar by now. The same guys getting on base and driving in runs early in the game came through again in the seventh.

Reed Johnson singled and Mark DeRosa doubled for the second time in the game. Kosuke scored Johnson with a sac fly to tie the game. Daryle Ward was intentionally passed to get to the pitchers spot. Geovony Soto struck out as a pinch hitter, bringing up Alfonso Soriano. With two outs, he hit a three run homer to give the Cubs the lead. Chicago didn't stop there. Theriot drew a two out walk and stole second. Derek Lee scored him with his fourth hit of the night. DeRosa and Soriano each had three hits and combined for seven runs batted in.

I am especially happy to see DeRosa start to work out of his slump, since he is my fanatasy second basemen. Cub fans should be happy too. With his defensive versatility, he will be in the lineup often. His production helps make this lineup tough top to bottom.

Jason Marquis will be on the mound tomorrow as the Cubs try for their third straight series win. Marquis has lost his last four decisions and hasn't won in six starts. Chicago needs a solid outing by him, heading into an off day and a weekend series against St. Louis.